A series of pre-planning meetings with four Ozaukee County area nonprofits where we discussed the organizational development needs of each nonprofit and co-designed planning processes to address the identified needs. The intent of the planning process is to clarify the organization’s purpose and develop achievable steps to realize their vision.

Community-serving organizations, including nonprofits, are more effective when they have a clear purpose/mission, vision, and goals. When there are changes in leadership, resources, community needs, and other internal or external factors that affect the organization, it is a best practice to engage in some form of strategic planning to set priorities, focus energy and resources, and ensure everyone is working towards common goals. Extension Community Development Educator Paul Roback conducted a series of preplanning discussions with the leadership from four Ozaukee County area nonprofits, including the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton, Portal, the Ozaukee Master Gardeners, and the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center. During each of these pre-planning meetings, we discussed the organizational development needs of the nonprofit and co-designed planning processes to address the identified needs. As a result of these discussions, Paul will deliver organizational development programming with each nonprofit. This includes designing and implementing a membership survey and facilitating strategic planning with the Rotary Club of Cedarburg-Grafton; conducting an external stakeholder survey and strategic planning with Portal; facilitating a membership engagement listening session with the Ozaukee Master Gardeners; and conducting an external stakeholder survey and facilitating strategic planning with the Lakeshore Regional Child Advocacy Center. The intent of these processes is to strengthen these organizations by increasing clarity and direction in their efforts to address local needs.